You around DC this Sunday? If you wasn’t cuffed up on Valentine’s Day, then you can turn up with Theophilus London and Father on the 15th. The two rapper’s will be performing at U Street Music Hall in Northwest,DC. London and Father has been winning in both their respective careers. While London has been getting a buzz off of his latest project Vibes, Father has been becoming one of the dopest rappers comin’ out of Atlanta from his project Young Hot Ebony. Doors open at 6:30 pm, check it out.
With musical roots flowing through her veins, Kay Cola was destined to live and breathe music. Kay Cola is the daughter of world renowned jazz & classical musician, Hubert Laws. Kay Cola has had her feet wet in the music industry as a songwriter, writing on projects for artists such as Dr. Dre, Eminem, The Game and Ne-Yo. After penning songs for some of music’s heavyweights, Kay Cola is ready to take her career in a different direction as a talented songstress. Kay Cola has performed world-wide, opening for Ne-Yo and touring with Eric Benet and she has also worked with producers such as Boi-1da and RedOne.
With eclectic melodies over R&B, Electronic, and 808s, Kay Cola invites you into a fantasy world of lucid dreams. The singer songwriter is set to introduce you to her melodic world with the Spring 2015 release of her highly anticipated debut album Lucid Dreams. As anticipation mounts, the upstart songstress delivers her new French Montana-assisted single “Not OK”.
Photo courtesy of Instagram
Although Sam Smith and Beck dominated the 57th annual Grammy Awards, there were many other happy and notable winners such as Beyonce and Pharrell. Both stars pulled in 3 Grammy wins each along with Rosanne Cash. Plenty of music’s top earners grabbed a smaller share of Grammy glory, including Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett , Tiesto , and Rihanna (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, with Eminem). Beck shocked a few by nabbing the award for Album of the Year. The biggest night in music was hosted once again by Grammy Award-wining rapper and actor LL Cool J and broadcast on CBS live from the Los Angeles’ Staples Center.
Photo by MLADEN ANTONOV,ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images
Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney lit up the stage with their performance of”FourFiveSeconds” Seeing this improbable and unique collaboration in person is possibly why many tuned in. Rih’ was expressive with the vocals, Kanye West’s Auto-Tuned assisted verses added flavor, and McCartney’s mere presence alone was enough to seal the deal especially with his guitar and backing vocals. Beyoncé won more than the BeyHive’s hearts with her performance of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”. Some, especially Kanye West, felt Queen Bey was robbed of the album of the year award, but win or not Bey brought her skilled vocals to the cover of the Thomas A. Dorsey gospel classic, soaring with her highest vocal registers at various moments. Kanye West even beat Beck to the microphone and jokingly reenacted his 2009 interruption of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards. Icon Prince also gave viewers a hint of cultural commentary going on to state “Like books and black lives, albums still matter.” Madonna wowed the crowd with her dance filled performance of her new single “Living for Love.” Kanye West performed the ode to his young daughter North West “Only One”, and Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett teamed up for a powerful performance that included a medley of his hits.
Obama spoke out against sexual violence via a video cameo appearance. His speech would hopefully be a mirror reflection of the beliefs of those in attendance in regards to the desire to end sexual violence against women. He brought awareness to the White House’s “It’s On Us” campaign. Katy Perry then followed with a great performance of her Prism ballad, “By the Grace of God.” Annie Lennox joined Hozier for a performance of “Take Me to Church”: This was clearly Sam Smith’s night. The man won four awards. He also was one to steal the show when he partnered with Mary J. Blige for a soulful performance of “Stay With Me,” which was reprised at the end of the show.
AC/DC opened the show. They proved to be an interesting choice but nonetheless brought it with their back catalog, and the musical evening closed with John Legend and Common performing their Oscar-nominated hit “Glory” from the movie “Selma.” It’s safe to say that Hip Hop fans were pleased that this year Kendrick Lamar took home a pair of awards — for best rap performance and best rap song.
Check out a list of a few of this year’s Grammy Award-winners below.
Record of the Year
Sam Smith – “Stay With Me
Song of the Year
Sam Smith – “Stay With Me
Best Alternative Rock Album
St. Vincent – St. Vincent
Best Metal Performance
Tenacious D – “The Last In Line”
Best Rap Performance
Kendrick Lamar – “I”
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Eminem Featuring Rihanna – “The Monster”
Best Rap Song
Kendrick Lamar – “I”
K. Duckworth & C. Smith, songwriters
Best Rap Album
Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP2
Best R&B Performance
Beyoncé Featuring Jay Z – “Drunk In Love”
Best Traditional R&B Performance
“Jesus Children”
Robert Glasper Experiment Featuring Lalah Hathaway & Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Beyoncé Featuring Jay Z – “Drunk In Love”
Best Urban Contemporary Album
Pharrell Williams – Girl
Best R&B Album
Toni Braxton & Babyface – Love, Marriage & Divorce
Best Music Video
Pharrell Williams – “Happy”
Best Surround Sound Album
Beyoncé – Beyoncé
Best Reggae Album
Ziggy Marley – Fly Rasta
Album of the Year
Beck – Morning Phase
Best New Artist
Sam Smith
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera – “Say Something”
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga – Cheek To Cheek
Best Pop Solo Performance
Pharrell Williams – “Happy”
Best Pop Vocal Album
Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour
Loose Cannon, who is previously signed to both Ruff Ryders and DMX’s Bloodline Records, enlists the D-Block general for an energetic street single that encourages the pursuit of victory. Van Savage, a singer signed to Loose Cannon’s 6ix5ive Records, provides a catchy hook that could propel him to be the next street corner crooner. The production on “See Me” is provided by Vacant Lot head honcho Dame Grease, which continues the producer’s string of top-notch work that has included producing for the likes of The LOX, DMX, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and many more.
Oakland rapper Vell has teamed up with Bay Area legend E-40 and Detroit’s Doughboyz Cashout to release a video for the song “B#### Ni**a” off his debut mixtape Stay Down To Come Up hosted by DJ Mustard & DJ Amen. The song was produced by Vell & Eric Statz.
Just in time for Valentines day Ice T protege rapper Knight releases his new EP entitled “She: Sex, Hurt & Entertainment” along with his first visual off the EP of a record entitled “Bad Girl”, which is a up tempo hip hop and R&B record. The EP S.H.E can be downloaded at Datpiff.com.
Since his triumphant emergence from the underground battle rap scene in his early teens, 26 year old Quake Matthews has made a name for himself branded by breakneck beats and unadulterated lyricism. The Nova Scotia native’s raspy voice and raw emotion has made for a signature sound and a captivating listening experience, giving him a broad appeal that spans audiences. The award-winning emcee just released his fourth studio album, Rap Music, and is gearing up for a Canadian tour this spring.
This convo gets deep as Ab-Soul talks about his come up and how the Black Hippy movement got started. He talks about his family’s record shop and Snoop recalls in stores.
Follow Hi-Def as he goes behind the scenes of the production of Meek’s “B Boys” music video featuring Meek Mill Big Sean & ASAPFerg . Produced by @TreNative and directed by Spike Jones, this video was shot in Calabasas, Ca and features a host of women, weed and weather. The three W’s of Cali.
Florida based artist/song-writer TJ Hearns, known as Teezy, has been making his mark lately. After releasing his biggest visual titled “Hotel Ride It Out”, Teezy hasn’t looked back since. Listen to Teezy’s latest single ‘Wait On It’ produced by Will-A-Fool. This came out not too long ago but flew under our radar. Beat bangin on this one and while the track is short, the art is dope and you can tell Teezy has some nice tracks on deck.
After releasing “We All We Got” last month with Money Mafia, Master P is back with a new project “CP3” along with Money Mafia member Ace B.
South Carolina artist/producer City P, releases new single titled “Forever” written and produced by himself. This will be on his upcoming mixtape titled “No Way Out” planned to be released later this year.
Divine Styler, has had an atypical 25 year career as an MC. Look at his discography and you'll see that even though he's only has come out with 4 albums, each of his albums have had the goal of pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can, and should be. I asked him why does he create albums that push the limits of hip-hop?
Styler: "I've never cared from the beginning…And that's what the fun part is to me because I'm free, to a degree, in a lot of areas to actually exercise different things without the pressure of certain things….The biggest hit I took was with Spiral Walls because I was actually pushing boundaries and excited about pushing boundaries. But you learn quickly and specifically in Hip-Hop that is a no, no. you aren't supposed to push boundaries. you supposed to keep it pimping and you're supposed to keep it cocaine and all that other s###. For me, that just made me go deeper into doing my own thing."
Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/
Divine Styler, has had an atypical 25 year career as an MC. Look at his discography and you'll see that even though he's only has come out with 4 albums, each of his albums have had the goal of pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can, and should be. I asked him why does he create albums that push the limits of hip-hop?
Styler: "I've never cared from the beginning…And that's what the fun part is to me because I'm free, to a degree, in a lot of areas to actually exercise different things without the pressure of certain things….The biggest hit I took was with Spiral Walls because I was actually pushing boundaries and excited about pushing boundaries. But you learn quickly and specifically in Hip-Hop that is a no, no. you aren't supposed to push boundaries. you supposed to keep it pimping and you're supposed to keep it cocaine and all that other s###. For me, that just made me go deeper into doing my own thing."
Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/
Divine Styler, has had an atypical 25 year career as an MC. Look at his discography and you'll see that even though he's only has come out with 4 albums, each of his albums have had the goal of pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can, and should be. I asked him why does he create albums that push the limits of hip-hop?
Styler: "I've never cared from the beginning…And that's what the fun part is to me because I'm free, to a degree, in a lot of areas to actually exercise different things without the pressure of certain things….The biggest hit I took was with Spiral Walls because I was actually pushing boundaries and excited about pushing boundaries. But you learn quickly and specifically in Hip-Hop that is a no, no. you aren't supposed to push boundaries. you supposed to keep it pimping and you're supposed to keep it cocaine and all that other s###. For me, that just made me go deeper into doing my own thing."
Part 1 of my interview with Divine Styler will be available soon http://thelibrarywithtimeinenkel.libsyn.com/
South Bronx rapper Jimmy Valentime says he always wanted more for himself and that his ambition shows in his music. Following up his release of “Winter Is Mine,” Valentime gives us a Valentine’s Day treat. Take a listen to “Fade” below.
You know Rae…he and Ghostface are doing “The Purple Files,” a documentary celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.” Over the Grammy weekend, I heard they had a preview screening that had people in tears over how dope it was. From what I heard, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, West Coast don Damani, ill Camille and others were in attendance. There are a lot of rumors circulation on this one. I can’t even talk about most or I am going to get my neck chopped. But, lets just say that this will be EPIC. I heard there are a lot of big names vying to be a part of it, especially after what they have seen in the extended trailer. Oh, I didn’t mention – DAME DASH showed up looking G’d up and all that. Shout out to him. The real rumor is…this ish looks epic. Anything else would get me killed.
Free leak from the Bottom Feeder Music EP “Gorilla State” dropping this spring.
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Music’s biggest stars gathered at Staples Center in Los Angeles for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. But before one golden gramophone was handed out, the world’s hottest musicians hit the red carpet. This year’s nominees and their peers hit the red carpet with some winning looks this year. Because all big names were whisked down the carpet, the Grammy’s red carpet actually turned into quite the fashion show as media admired celebrity’s ensembles from their marked posts on the carpet.
AllHipHop did have some entertaining interactions on the carpet. At one point there was an announcement that the carpet was closed, but all trained media know you don’t pack up until it’s truly over. After the alleged closing of the carpet came Kanye West & Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Tyrese, and Neyo. We acknowledged to Mr. West the fact that he was performing and then transitioned into asking him who he was most excited to see. An annoyed Kanye gave us typical Kanye annoyed-I’m-about-to-go-off-on-media-face and then stated “Everyone.” Which really translated to “no one” or “myself”.
We left our post to attempt to speak with Chris Brown and Pharrell, who like all A-listers, were whisked down the carpet. Brown’s escorts had him moving at the speed of lightning down the carpet. Pharrell was friendly and reached out to shake our hand but his escort quickly made it known that the “Happy” singer would not be participating in interviews as they were “bringing him straight through.”
Jhene Aiko & Rita Ora both yelled from the carpet that they were most excited to see Kanye West and Madonna respectively. Juicy J said the Rihanna, Paul McCartney and Kanye West performance was going to be the best. Rick Ross expressed his excitement about MMG being nominated in three categories.
LL Cool J, the host for the evening, kept it classy in a navy blue tuxedo jacket.Lady Gaga stunned in a Brandon Maxwell gown. Ciara wowed in a lavish Alexander Vauthier gown. Rihanna wore an interesting Giambattista Valli number that wasn’t a fan favorite. Although Rihanna makes anything hot, this dress was more reminiscent of a Barbie cake. Winner of the night Sam Smith made his tuxedo pop with a white bow tie. Moulin Rouge Matador-dressed Madonna stunned in Givenchy, and arrived with her dapper dates, Nas and Diplo.
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Mike Will Made It and Miley Cyrus hit the red carpet together, both in all black ensembles. Pharrell once again pushed the envelope in a fashion-forward shorts suit. Nicki Minaj showed off her infamous curves in a deep plunging Tom Ford number. Songstress Ashanti gave body and class in a halter gown with a cut out and thigh high slit. Katy Perry fresh off her Super Bowl performance, was stunning in a Zuhair Murad illusion dress. The legendary Babyface hit the carpet with host LL Cool J keeping it sleek in a black tux. Big Sean killed it from head-to-toe in Saint Laurent while his singer beau Ariana Grande kept it edgy in a Versace one shoulder sequin number. Chris Brown was spotted by his blue hair and burgundy fedora. Hit Boy stood out in a white tuxedo jacket accentuated by a printed bow tie. BJ The Chicago Kid gave old school flare in a green and navy tuxedo.
Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage
The eve of The Grammy Awards absolutely belongs to legendary music executive and producer Clive Davis and has so for 39 years. Today’s hottest music stars came out in significant numbers to the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, CA to attend Davis’ marvelous affair saluting industry icons.
Before the formal presentation the night was all about the music. It was a contingent night of classic stars with stellar performances from Pharrell, Sam Smith, Mary J. Blige, Smokie Robinson with Jamie Foxx, Aloe Blacc, JC Chasez and Miguel, John Legend, Johnny Mathis, and Carole King. As Sam Smith got the night going with his cover of “My Funny Valentine” and his Record of the Year awarded “Stay With Me”, the night was turned up another notch when Smokie Robinson handed Jamie Foxx the mic. Foxx delivered some riffs and runs that only the actor/comedian/singer could deliver. Philip Bailey of the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire excited the crowd with his perfect falsetto. Mary J. Blige received a standing ovation for the power vocals she delivered with her performance of “Doubt”. It was only Johnny Mathis who could bring the whole room to their feet before singing even one note. The 79-year-old emoted effortlessly through his biggest hits. Ricky Martin, Tyrese, Common, and Mary J. Blige all joined in to help Carole King sing “You’ve Got a Friend.” It seems like even with the stellar performances that preceded him, Pharrell Williams still seemed to steal the show with his performance of Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and his hit “Happy.” Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora also performed “Black Widow”, Azalea and Jennifer Hudson “Trouble”, John Legend “All of Me”, and Meghan Trainor and Legend “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”.
After a hilarious video highlighting Bandier’s career, he took the stage to accept his Industry Icon President’s Merit Award thanking his family for allowing him to pour himself into music. He also expressed that he didn’t feel songwriters get their just dues and definitely aren’t compensated in several realms such as the digital and touring.
The Bee Gees, who were awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Recording Academy, were tributed as the ceremony closed.
